Murdoch pleads not guilty to Falconio murder

DARWIN - The man accused of the murder of British traveller Peter Falconio has pleaded not guilty to the alleged killing.

Bradley John Murdoch was today formally arraigned in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

He pleaded not guilty to the murder of 28-year-old Mr Falconio beside an outback highway on July 14, 2001.

He also pleaded not guilty to the unlawful assault and deprivation of liberty of Mr Falconio's then girlfriend Joanne Lees.

The trial is due to begin in early May.

Legal argument is currently underway ahead of the hearing.

- AAP